Nuggets Star Could Return vs Suns

Jamal Murray's return is imminent.

The Athletic's Shams Charania broke some big news this morning - Denver Nuggets star PG Jamal Murray's hamstring injury has progressed to the point where the team now sees him as a day-to-day decision in terms of returning to the lineup.

Charania reported the news on his show "Run it Back" saying he could return as soon as Wednesday at home against the Houston Rockets, or Friday on the road against the Phoenix Suns. 

Denver Nuggets star Jamal Murray will miss tonight's game vs. Clippers, but is on cusp of return and being monitored day-to-day moving forward, sources say. Reporting on @RunItBackFDTV: pic.twitter.com/7qILty60LN

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 27, 2023

The news is significant, as Murray could potentially return earlier than the three-week timeline that was originally reported. 

The Nuggets will welcome Murray back with enthusiasm, as the defending NBA champs have gone on a forgettable 5-5 stretch in the games the point guard has missed.

Denver has relied far too much on Nikola Jokic during this stretch, and while Murray's scoring numbers haven't been gaudy in is seven games played, he has been efficient from the floor, a plus-playmaker, and has improved significantly on defense. 

Murray's potential return on Friday makes the matchup with Phoenix more even, and could put the Suns' potential eight-game winning streak (Suns play in Toronto on Wednesday) in jeopardy. 

Suns fans should continue to monitor the situation as the week progresses - if Murray returns Wednesday against Houston it can be assumed he will be a shoe-in for the contest in Phoenix.

The Suns and Nuggets will tip-off shortly after 8 PM Arizona time on Friday night at Footprint Center.